Since its creation in 1976, the OIAF has been an event that unites artists, industry professionals, and the public for an experience that can be compared to no other. It’s back again this year to treat its audiences to both Canadian and International animation gems.

As an industry leader, the OIAF welcomes a slew of animation legends such as Chuck Jones, John Lasseter, Henry Selick, and Nick Park every year. This year is no exception. This September, the festival welcomes successful animators such as Craig Bartlett, JG Quintel, Adam Elliot, Chris Landreth, and highly acclaimed Oscar-nominee Koji Yamamura.

Directors from major studios such as the Cartoon Network, Disney, Pixar, Nickelodeon, and Sony Animated Pictures will also be in attendance for talks and workshops, as well as The Animation Conference (TAC).

Highlights of the event this year include:

five short film competitions featuring theworld’s latest and greatest animation

Record-breaking 9 feature films that willbe battling it out for the Grand Prize. Among them is A Liar’s Autobiography,the newest Python endeavor

Adam Elliot will be in town for a one-on-onetalk with Chris Robinson and retrospective screenings of his work.

An exclusive screening of Walt DisneyAnimation Studios’ Get a Horse! featuring old footage of Mickey Mousevoiced by Walt Disney himself. The director will also be hosting a Masterclass.

Directors Cody Cameron and Kris Pearn willbe joining the OIAF for a sneak preview screening of their new film CloudyWith a Chance of Meatballs 2.

The OIAF is one of the world’s most competitive film festivals. This year, the Festival received 1,926 entries from 76 different countries, selecting 108 finalists for competition. An additional 44 films will be shown out-of-competition in Showcase screenings.

This year, the Ottawa International Animation Festival received a total of 1926 entries from 76 different countries. Of those, 98 short films and 8 feature films were chosen for competition. In addition, 50 showcase films were chosen to represent the efforts of the Canadian, International, and Student communities.

OIAF competition includes categories for best feature, narrative, experimental and student films, TV shows, commercials, video games, and music videos. There is also a separate competition for films and TV shows made for children. Prizes will be awarded to category winners and a grand prize will be awarded to the winner of each competition: best Short Film, Feature Film, Student, and Commissioned Film.

Watch the festival promos, below:

Source: Ottawa International Animation Festival

Jennifer Wolfe is Director of News & Content at Animation World Network.